Berlin Travel Tips from an Insider

Learn a first-person account of visiting modern-day Berlin with its mix of previous, current and future, and get Berlin journey suggestions from our Enchanting skilled Nurit Hod.

We’re passionate concerning the locations that we provide, having traveled to all of them and, as with a lot of our crew members, having lived there too! Here’s a first-person account of what it’s like to go to Berlin, Germany and a few nice Berlin journey suggestions from our Enchanting skilled Nurit Hod.

First Impressions of Berlin

Rising up I had combined emotions about Berlin. I inherited the holocaust traumas from my grandparents on one hand, and but, I used to be at all times curious to expertise the town that was the birthplace of Bauhaus design, the backdrop to Erich Kästner’s books, and the town of Cabaret.

In spring 1987, I participated in a highschool alternate program with Germany and had my first alternative to go to Berlin. The Berlin Wall was proper behind the outdated Reichstag, the historic legislative constructing. And Checkpoint Charlie — the most effective identified crossing level between East and West Berlin  — was not a photo-op location for vacationers however the unhappy actuality Berliners lived via. At the moment, Berlin appeared grey and miserable, similar to within the 1981 movie ‘Christiane F’, a biographical drama set in Nineteen Seventies West Berlin.

A Trendy Renaissance in Berlin

Quick ahead to a couple many years later and my return to Berlin was a very completely different expertise. 

Berlin’s heavy but wealthy historical past is clear in every single place, proper subsequent to a few of the world’s finest artwork and tradition, structure, delicacies and extra.

I discovered that Berlin has been going via a contemporary renaissance, although I typically felt that I used to be going again in time. Berlin’s heavy but wealthy historical past is clear in every single place, proper subsequent to a few of the world’s finest museums, traditional and trendy structure, a vibrant artwork scene, eclectic culinary experiences, and infinite nightlife selections. Really, Berlin’s enchantment lies in its profitable mix of previous, current and future.

In case you’re in Berlin, don’t miss the Brandenburg Gate (picture above), Museum Island, markets, museums, parks and beer gardens and pubs. 

Moreover these should see vacationer points of interest, listed below are my high Berlin journey suggestions.

1. Stroll alongside the East Aspect Gallery on the banks of the Spree River in Friedrichshain; it’s an exquisite image of Berlin’s enduring spirit and resilience. 

2. Discover the fashionable Kreuzberg, Mitte and Friedrichshain central districts (do take a peek on the lovely hidden courtyards).

3. Go to The Topography of Terror museum, an indoor and out of doors historical past museum which was as soon as the central location of the Nazi regime.

4. Spend Sunday at Mauerpark, a peaceable set on the land that after separated the partitions of East and West Berlin.

5. Take pleasure in a leisurely stroll in Charlottenburg, previous lovely pre-war buildings and stylish boutiques.

6. Take a day tour to Potsdam, identified for its grand UNESCO-listed historic constructions and idyllic open areas.

7. Benefit from the Tiergarten’s biergartens, with leafy out of doors areas by the canal or lakeside the place you possibly can sit down and revel in beer and wine.

8. Watch a cabaret present to witness a incredible mix of music, artwork and satire unfold in a uniquely Berliner approach.

9. Embark on a nostalgic culinary journey with East German meals at Volkskammer, the place genuine flavors supply a style of Berlin’s historical past.

10. Drink a refreshing glass of Berliner Weisse “rot” or “grün” (crimson or inexperienced), a standard German wheat beer originating in Berlin.

Uncover extra issues to do in Germany.

”Berlin is a multifaceted European capital: fascinating, lovely, cultured, inventive, artsy, quirky, trendy, trendy, and funky!” – Nurit Hod, Journey Guide

Beneficial Excursions in Berlin

Discover Berlin’s Different Cultural Scene by Bike

This bike tour takes you throughout a few of the most iconic districts within the metropolis, ranging from Kulturbrauerei in Prenzlauer Berg. Armed with an area information, you journey via Mauerpark with its famend flea market and amphitheater. From the colourful central district of Friedrichshain, you’ll cross the river and head to the sprawling neighborhood of Kreuzberg, identified for its laid again cafes, thrift retailers and avenue artwork. An skilled in all issues Berlin, your information shares data and anecdotes about this dynamic metropolis whilst you learn the way its cultural scene has been formed via the years.  

See Berlin’s Road Artwork on Foot

Uncover one of the beloved facets of Berlin’s cultural scene – avenue artwork! This metropolis has lots to supply – from installations to large murals, hidden stencils, stickers and extra, which have put Berlin’s avenue artwork scene on the world map. On this strolling tour with an area information and artwork fanatic, you begin on the Berlin Wall, by the enduring murals of the East Aspect Gallery. You may also take the U-Bahn to find different and underground venues, and acquire perception into Berlin’s wealthy cultural heritage, showcasing how avenue artwork has grow to be an integral a part of the town’s identification. 

Discover extra excursions to Germany.

The place To Keep in Berlin

The Regent Berlin – Set within the bustling Mitte district on the coronary heart of historic Berlin, this grand lodge is only some steps away from points of interest equivalent to Brandenburg Gate, the Opera Home and Reichstag. A part of the InterContinental group, rooms listed below are elegantly designed with plush furnishings, and several other supply panoramic views of Berlin. Facilities embody a spa and sauna, in addition to a number of eating choices equivalent to a recent restaurant, courtyard terrace and a bar.

Angleterre – Positioned subsequent to Checkpoint Charlie in a historic constructing, this refurbished boutique property gives trendy rooms fitted with trendy facilities. Aside from a 24-hour entrance desk, room service, and concierge, the lodge additionally gives a spa and sauna. There may be additionally a restaurant on the premises that serves Italian delicacies, in addition to modern bar. The Angleterre’s handy location make it a great base to discover points of interest equivalent to Potsdamer Platz and Brandenburg Gate.